New Latics boss Laurent Banide believes there is plenty of potential for progress at Boundary Park.

The Oldham head coach has been speaking for the first time since being appointed to his first job in English football.

A former Monaco manager, the 51-year-old Frenchman has spent most of the last 11 years managing clubs in the Middle East.

He visited the club on Wednesday ahead of formally taking over on a one-year contract on July 1 when the players return to pre-season training.

Banide was joined by his right-hand man Bouziane Benaraibi who has been confirmed as the Latics’ new assistant manager.

The Oldham Times: Bouziane Benaraibi Bouziane Benaraibi

“It’s a beautiful club,” he said when asked of his first impressions.

“I’ve seen the ground and met a lot of very nice people.

“I’m very happy to be here with my assistant.

“We are here to work hard and there are good possibilities and good potential.

“There are good players and new players will arrive.

“Everyone wants to do something this year and it’s important to work well and to have the fans with us because we want to give the maximum.

“We’ll try to make it a big season, that’s important, so thank you (in advance) for helping the club.”

Banide admits he is initially on a fact-finding mission as he prepares for life in League Two, Oldham having finished 14th last time around.  

His most recent job saw him in charge of Umm Salal in Qatar before leaving last year in what was his second spell with the club. 

Having played for Monaco he worked his way through the coaching ranks and became manager in 2006, his time in charge lasting a single season. 

He returned for a second go in 2011 but was unable to prevent the club from being relegated from Ligue 1. 

Now Banide’s attentions turn to a crack at the English game.

“We need to prepare for next season,” he said.

“We need to have a look at the players of the club, new players, the young players, we need to see them all to prepare for the new season seriously.

“I want to have all the information and to know all the people at the club, everybody, to make it work.”

Number two Benaraibi has worked with Banide at Monaco and during his time in the Gulf.

He has also had coaching spells at Rennes and the Bahrain national team.

“Worked together for 10 years and I’ve known him for 30 years,” said Banide.

“He’s my friend and my assistant.

“We work well together and want to push the team forward and give the best that we can.”